Africa Terrorism Bulletin Issue

AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE

UNIÃO AFRICANA االتحاد االفريقي

ACSRT/CAERT African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism Centre Africain d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Terrorisme

AFRICA TERRORISM BULLETIN 16th – 31st March 2019 Edition No: 006 ABOUT AFRICA TERRORISM BULLETIN

As part of its mandate to help build Counter Terrorism capacity of African Union Member States, and keep African Counter Terrorism Practitioners abreast with current trends of terrorism, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) has developed tools that allow it to collect, analyze and disseminate terrorism-related incidents in Africa. The information gathering, processing and data analysis allows ACSRT to provide Member States and Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) Practitioners with relevant information on trends and development of terrorism in Africa. The ACSRT disseminates its analysis of data collected on terrorism incidents through various productions. The Africa Terrorism Bulletin, a fortnightly compilation and data analysis is one of such productions that form the basis for the Centre’s quarterly African Terrorism Trend Analysis.

THE BULLETIN IS PRODUCED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF H.E. Larry GBEVLO-LARTEY Esq., AU Special Representative for Counter Terrorism Cooperation / Director ACSRT

© African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without full attribution.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS PAGE 1 Title Page 1 2 Table of Content 2 3 Abbreviations 3 4 Summary 4 5 Terrorism in Africa: Issue of Definition 5 6 General Introduction 5 7 Brief Threat Update 6 8 General Trend: Terrorism Incidents/CT Response 7 9 Total Number of Terrorist Attacks 8 10 Terrorists attacks by Region 8 11 Means of Attacks 8 12 Terrorist Groups and their Means of Attack 9 13 Primary Targets 10 14 Terrorist Groups and their Primary Targets 10 15 Total Terrorism Deaths 11 16 Terrorism Deaths by Region 13 17 Deaths by Means of Attack 14 18 Attacks/Victims of Terrorist Groups 14 19 Members of Terrorist Groups Killed 16 20 Countries with High Recorded Incidents 17 21 Most Fatal Terrorism Incidents 18 22 In Focus: The Sahel Region 18 23 Total Attacks in the Sahel 19 24 Means of Attacks in the Sahel 19 25 Total Deaths in the Sahel 20 26 Deaths by Category in the Sahel 21 27 Kidnapping 21 28 Synthesis Table of Terrorism Incidents 22 29 Synthesis Table of Terrorist Groups Activities 23 30 Incidents recorded by Regions 24 31 Central Africa 25 32 East Africa 25 33 North Africa 27 34 Southern Africa 29 35 West Africa 31 36 Terrorism Related News 35 37 Conclusion 36 38 Forecast for Next Edition 36 39 Acknowledgement 37 40 Profile of the ACSRT 37

ABBREVIATIONS

ACSRT African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism ADF Allied Democratic Forces AMISOM African Union Mission in Somalia AMM Africa Media Monitor AQIM Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb AU African Union CAR Central African Republic CT Counter-Terrorism DDR Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration DRC Democratic Republic of Congo EUC-JRC European Union Commission’s Joint Research Centre FAMa Forces Armées Maliennes (Armed Forces of Mali) GAF Ghana Armed Forces GATIA Groupe Autodéfense Touareg Imghad et Alliés (Imghad Touareg Auto-Defence Group and Allies) GSIM Group for the Support of Islam and Moslems IED Improvised Explosive Device IS Islamic State ISGS Islamic State in the Greater Sahara ISIL Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant ISWAP Islamic State in West Africa Province JNIM Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (Group for Support of Islam and Muslims) KAIPTC Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center LCB Lake Chad Basin LRA Lord’s Resistance Army MLF Macina Liberation Front MNJTF Multinational Joint Task Forces MINUSCA Mission Multidimensionnelle Intégrée des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en République Centrafricaine (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) MINUSMA Mission Multidimensionnelle Intégrée des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation au Mali (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) MSA Mouvement pour le salut de l'Azawad (Movement for the Salvation of the Azawad) NISA National Intelligence Service Agency (Somalia) OAU Organization of African Unity REC Regional Economic Community RM Regional Mechanism SALW Small Arms and Light Weapons UPC Union for Peace in Central Africa US United States (of America)

SUMMARY

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS . The 5 countries most affected by terrorism during . The period under review recorded a total of 82 the period are Mali, Somalia, Niger, Burkina Faso terrorist attacks and a total of 544 terrorism- and Nigeria (In decreasing order). related deaths. . Out of the 544 terrorism-related deaths, 415 . Countries of the Sahel region recorded 57 out of the resulted directly from terrorist attacks, whereas 82 incidents, and total deaths of 400 out of the 544, 129 were deaths recorded during counter representing 74% of the terrorism related deaths for

terrorism operations by security forces. the period. Out of the 400 casualties, 264 were civilians, 98 terrorists, and 38 security personnel. . 62% (334) of all terrorism-related deaths were civilians whereas terrorists were 27% (149). . Civilian and military deaths in the Sahel constituted Military/Security forces accounted for 11% (61). 79% and 62% of the total casualties in Africa. Also, . In 54 out of the 82 attacks, the terrorists used 66% of terrorists were killed in the Sahel. Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). 15 . 12 cases of kidnappings were recorded. 5 occurred attacks involved the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and 1 attack used mixed approach in the Soum province of Burkina Faso, 3 in the (IEDs and SALW). Anglophone regions of Cameroon, 2 in Nigeria and 1 in Mali. In all 140 people were taken hostages. 5

. Al-Shabaab used SALW more in their attacks were killed, 106 released, and 29 remain in hostage. than IEDS. Similarly, other groups, Boko Haram (Shekau faction), the Islamic State West Africa RECENT HIGH PROFILE INCIDENTS Province (ISWAP), Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal- - On 17 March 2019 in Dioura, Mopti, Mali. Muslimeen (JNIM), Islamic State in Greater Sahara (ISGS), Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Assailants attacked a military camp. 26 Malian and IS affiliates used mainly SALW. One case of soldiers were killed and 40 others injured. JNIM kidnapping was attributed to Ansarul Islam. claimed responsibility for the attack. - On 22 March 2019 in Dangdala, Lake Chad, . Civilians were targeted in most of the attacks. 57 Chad. Assailants from Boko Haram attacked of the attacks targeted civilians, 16 targeted Chadian military base. Twenty Three (23) soldiers security forces, 7 targeted Government were killed. Institutions/Officials, and 2 targeted International - On 23 March 2019 in Ogossagou, Mopti, Mali. Organizations (MINUSMA and AMISOM) Armed men dressed like traditional Dozo hunters attacked the Fulani village killing 160 persons, 410 . Most of Al-Shabaab, ISWAP and JNIM attacks targeted security forces, whereas Boko Haram houses and 80 granaries were burnt. (Shekau faction), ISGS, Ansarul Islam, ADF and - On 23 March 2019 in Mogadishu, Somalia. Al-

IS affiliates targeted more civilians in their Shabaab detonated suicide car bomb on a attacks. government building killing 15 persons including assistant minister. . Al-Shabaab killed 24 victims (all civilians), Boko - On 28 March 2019 in Mogadishu, Somalia. An Haram killed 85 (62 civilians, 23 Security explosives-laden vehicle detonated outside a busy personnel.). JNIM killed 28 (27 Security restaurant killing 16 persons and injuring 17 others. personnel, 1 civilian), ISWAP killed 2 (1 Faced with the growing and sophisticated attacks, Security personnel, 1 civilian), and 1 civilian was killed by IS affiliates in Libya. Unidentified Security forces have remained responsive to the groups killed 255 (245 civilians, 10 Security situation in the last half of March 2019. Beside 24 personnel). terrorists eliminated during attacks, Deliberate CT operations resulted in the neutralization of 149 members . Boko Haram suffered the biggest loss, 80 of terrorist groups. This includes 78 terrorists killed by fighters were killed in CT operations. 48 the Multi National Joint Task Forces (MNJTF) in the members of Al-Shabaab were also killed. 21 Lake Chad Basin area, 44 in Somalia and 3 in Tunisia. others killed by counter-terrorism belong to 4 unidentified/unaffiliated groups.

TERRORISM IN AFRICA: ISSUE OF DEFINITION

 Notwithstanding the lack of a universal definition of terrorism, Article 1 paragraph 3, (a) and (b) and Article 3 of the African Union in its 1999 CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION AND COMBATING OF TERRORISM, defines what constitutes a Terrorist Act.

 The African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) and therefore this Africa Terrorism Bulletin defers to this definition.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Objective, The objective of the Africa Terrorism Bulletin is to provide a fortnight assessment of terrorism and violent extremism situation and trends on the continent. This is aimed at providing African Union Member States up to date information on terrorism incidents and its related activities. The data for the analysis of this Bulletin, is limited to information stored in the ACSRT Database, collected in conformity with the definition of terrorist acts as defined by the 1999 OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism. Database. The ACSRT maintains a robust database that stores information on terrorism, more specifically, on terrorist groups, their leaders and members, and activities and avails this information to the African Union Commission and the African Union Member States. Information for the Database is collected by the ACSRT Situation Room Team using the Africa Media Monitor (AMM) developed in collaboration with the European Union Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) for advanced web mining and information extraction. With the AMM, the Situation Room Team scans and accesses over 1400 websites 24/7 and retrieves real time information on terrorist incidents. The Centre also stores terrorism-related information received from Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) based on existing cooperation. The AU Continental Early Warning Situation-Room and reports from AU Field Missions and other field missions are also sources of information for the bulletin. Validation. To ensure credibility and reliability, the Centre validates all accessed terrorism incidents from the ACSRT Focal Points of the Member States. The Focal Points are the institutions in AU Members designated to collaborate and share terrorism and Counter-Terrorism related information with the ACSRT. In accordance with its mandate, the information validated by the ACSRT on the number of attacks, deaths and injuries recorded are considered as the official data for the ACSRT Database irrespective of any other conflicting figures.

BRIEF THREAT UPDATE

The period 16th to 31st March 2019, highlights the continued militant jihadist threat in many parts of the continent. Militant Jihadist groups and unidentified and ethnic based groups continue to launch attacks on civilians, civilian installations and security personnel The Sahel region, Lake Chad Basin area and the Horn of Africa Region are the most affected. Acts of terrorism and violent extremism in Africa have resulted in death, destruction and instability in the countries and regions where the terrorist and violent extremist groups do operate. These threats are combining to make the security landscape rather fluid, diverse and complex. The situation has been exacerbated by inter-communal violence and the activities of armed militias in a number of regions. Lake Chad Basin. The Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is creditably confronting Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP). During the period, in Chad, Boko Haram attacked a military base located in Dangdala killing 23 Chadian soldiers. This is the most deadly attack against Chadian soldiers so far in 2019. In Cameroon, the villages of Sandawadjiri and Zeleved, all located in the Far North region came under heavy attacks from Boko Haram resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. Separatists in the Anglophone region also kidnapped students and government officials injured a number of them and robbed others of their belongings. In Nigeria, Adamawa and Borno states suffered a number of attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP killing an estimated number of 18 civilians and 2 soldiers. On 16th March 2019 in the settlement of Nandu, Kaduna State, persons considered to be armed bandits killed 9 civilians bringing the recorded number of fatalities from violence in Kaduna to above 200 between 1st and 31st March 2019. Sahel belt of West Africa. The region experienced an escalation in terrorists and violent extremist activities in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. In Burkina Faso, terrorist activities have worsened the security situation with protracted attacks against civilians and security forces. The threat has been gradually spreading to the South with incidents recorded along borders with Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Ghana and Togo. A number of kidnapping cases were recorded in the Kongoussi-Djibo area of the Soum in which a number of the hostages were subsequently killed. Two Teachers and three artisanal mining workers were among those killed. In Mali, Central Mali has been most hit and requires urgent response. Terrorist and Violent Extremist groups and militias are becoming increasingly more dynamic and dominant in the local communities. The rise of extremist groups is exacerbating old inter-communal tensions between ethnic groups. On 23 March in Ogossagou, armed men dressed like traditional Dozo hunters attacked a Fulani community killing 160 people, including women and children. 410 houses and 80 granaries were recorded as burned, and numerous animals killed. On March 17, JNIM carried out an attack on a military base in Dioura killing 26 soldiers. In Niger, Boko Haram and ISWAP increased their attacks in the Diffa region. A total of 11 attacks resulting in 43 deaths were carried out during the period under review. Horn of Africa. A number of al-Shabaab attacks were recorded against security forces and civilians in Somalia. Somali government forces and AMISOM continued to combat the terrorist group and to neutralize some of its membership. Central Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo witnessed attacks from militia groups including Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and Mai-Mai in the North Kivu province. In Central Africa Republic (CAR), some militia groups which signed the Khartoum agreement to lay down their arms threatened to boycott the peace negotiation process. They accused the authorities of forming a new government that is not inclusive. North Africa. An attack in Ghadwa, southern Libya by a group considered to be an Islamic State affiliate, killed one civilian and abducted 3 persons. In Tunisia, a counter-terrorism operation by the security services resulted in the neutralization of 3 suspected IS linked terrorists.

GENERAL TREND: TERRORISTS ATTACKS/COUNTER-TERRORISM RESPONSE

Map 1: Map of Terrorism Incidents from 16 to 31 March 2019

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

1. Total Terrorist Attacks: 82 A total of 82 terrorism incidents including 12 cases of kidnapping were recorded from 16th to 31st March 2019. 2. Terrorists attacks by Region

Figure 1: Terrorists attacks by Region By Regions:  Central Africa: 11  East Africa: 13  North Africa: 1  West Africa: 57

 West Africa recorded the 13% Central Africa highest number of terrorist 16% attacks. A total of 57 attacks East Africa representing 70% occurred in North Africa the region. 70% West Africa  East Africa recorded 13 and 1% Central Africa 11 attacks representing 16% and 13% respectively. Only 1 attack was recorded in North Africa.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

3. Means of Attack

Figure 2: Means of Attacks

Means of Attacks:  IEDs: 15 15% 18%  SALW: 54 1% Explosives  Mixed (IEDs & SALW): 1  Kidnapping: 12 SALW

Mixed (IEDs & SALW) 66% Kidnapping . SALW recorded the highest means (66%) by which terrorist groups attack their targets. Also in 15, out of 82 attacks, terrorists used IEDs.12 cases of

kidnappings were recorded. Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

4. Terrorist Groups and their Means of Attack

 Al Shabaab : . In 5 out of the 7 attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab, the group Source: IEDs ACSRT : 2 Database, 2019 used SALW. Other 2 attacks involved the use of IEDs.  SALW: 5 . SALW continue to be the preferred means by which Boko

Haram attacks. In 16, out of 19 attacks carried out by the  Boko Haram:  IEDs : 3 group, SALW were used as a means of attack.  SALW: 16 . ISWAP carried out one attack using SALW.

 ISWAP: SALW: 1 . In 3 out of 4 attacks by JNIM SALW was used. The other

attack involved a mixture of IEDs and SALW.  JNIM :  SALW: 4 . Ansarul Islam kidnapped a village chief in Boulkessi, Mali.  Mixed (IEDs &SALW): 1 . ISGS employed SALW in a single attack it carried out.  Ansarul Islam : Kidnapping : 1 . IS affiliates in Libya used SALW in their attack.  ISGS :  SALW: 1 . The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out two attacks using SALW  ADF :  SALW: 2

.  IS affiliates in Libya : Majority of attacks carried out by unidentified/unaffiliated groups used SALW. Eleven (11) cases of kidnappings and  SALW: 1 ten (10) other attacks involving IEDs, were carried out by  Unidentified/Unaffiliated Groups : unidentified/unaffiliated groups.  IEDs : 10  SALW: 24  Kidnapping: 11

Figure 3: Groups and their Means of Attack 30

0 Al Shabaab Boko Haram ISWAP JNIM Ansarul Islam ADF ISGS Is affiliates Other Groups IEDs SALW Mixed (IEDs & SALW) Kidnapping

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

5. Primary Targets

Figure 4: Primary Targets Primary Targets  Security/Military Forces: 16  Govt. Officials or Institutions: 7  International Orgs : 2  Civilians: 57

Security &military . 57 attacks representing 70 % Forces targeted civilians. 19% Gov. officials or . 16 the attacks representing 19% 9% institutions targeted Security/Military Forces. International 2% . 7 attacks representing 9% targeted 70% Organizations Govt. Officials/ institutions. Civilians . 2 attacks representing about 2% targeted International Orgs (AMISOM & MINUSMA)

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

6. Terrorist Groups and their Primary Targets

Figure 5: Groups and the Primary Targets 35

Security/Military Civilians Gov't Inst. Int. Org.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Al-Shabaab: 7 Attacks by Al-Shabaab targeted more military/Security  Military/Security : 3 forces (3) and civilians (2). Only one attack targeted  International Org. (Military): 1 AMISON forces and other one Government officials.  Govt. Officials & institutions: 1  Civilians: 2 Boko Haram: 19 18 of Boko Haram’s attacks targeted civilians whereas 1  Military/Security : 1 targeted Security/Military.  Civilians: 18 ISWAP : 1 ISWAP carried out 1 attack against Military/Security  Military/Security : 1 Forces JNIM: 5 JNIM carried out 3 attacks against Military/Security  Military/Security : 3 Forces and 2 attacks against civilians.  Civilians: 2 Ansarul Islam:1 Ansarul Islam carried out 1 attack against civilians  Civilians:1 IS affiliates: 1 IS affiliates carried out 1 attack against civilians  Civilians:1 ADF:2 ADF carried out 1 attack each against civilians and  Civilians:1 Govt. Inst:1 government institution. ISGS: 1 ISGS carried out 1 attack targeting civilians  Civilians: 1 Unidentified/Unaffiliated Groups : 45 In attacks where no group claimed responsibility, civilians  Military/Security : 8 were mostly targeted. 31 out of 45 attacks by  International Org. (Military): 1 unidentified/unaffiliated groups targeted civilians, 8  Gov. Officials & institutions: 5 targeted Military/Security Forces, 5 targeted Government  Civilians: 31 institutions, 1 targeted an International org. (MINUSMA).

7. Total Terrorism-related Deaths

Figure 6: Total Terrorism Related Total Terrorism-related Deaths: 544 Deaths  Security/Military: 61  Terrorists: 149  Civilians: 334

. A total of 544 terrorism-related 11% Security incl. deaths were recorded within the military period under review. 27% Terrorists . Out of the number, 62% were 62% civilians whereas 27% were Civilians members of terrorist groups. 11% of the deaths were Security/Military Forces.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Total Deaths from Terrorist Attacks: 415 Total Deaths CT Operations: 129  Security/Military: 61  Civilians: 4  Terrorists: 24  Terrorists: 125  Civilians: 330

 415 out of the 544 terrorism-related deaths  CT Operations resulted in 129 deaths, out resulted from terrorist attacks. of which 125 were members of terrorist groups and 4 being civilians.  Civilians suffered the most casualties of 330 (80%) out of 415 deaths.

Figure 7: Deaths Related to Terrorist Attacks and Deliberate CT Operations

350

300

250

200 Security &military Terrorists 150 Civilians

100

0 Total deaths related to attacks Total deaths related to deliberate CT operations

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

8. Terrorism-related Deaths by Region

Table 1: Terrorism related deaths by region and category.

Central Africa: 39 East Africa:101 North Africa:4 West Africa:400 Attacks CT Total Attacks CT Total Attacks CT Total Attacks CT Total Military/Sec. 23 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 0 38 Civilians 16 0 16 49 4 53 1 0 1 264 0 264 Terrorists 0 0 0 4 44 48 0 3 3 20 78 98

Figure 8: Total Deaths by Regions . West Africa region recorded the highest number of terrorism-related deaths. 73% of deaths recorded within the 7% period occurred in the region.

19% . 19%, 7% and 1% of all 1% terrorism-related deaths 0% within the period occurred in 73% East, Central and North

Africa regions respectively.

. Southern Africa region didn’t Central Africa East Africa North Africa record any terrorism Southern Africa West Africa incident.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Figure 9: Attacks/CT Related Deaths by Regions 350

300 322 250

200

150

100

50 78 39 0 53 48 1 3 0 Central Africa East Africa North Africa West Africa Attack Related Deaths CT Related Deaths

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Figure 10: Regional Deaths by Category

Military incl. Security Civilians Terrorists . West Africa recorded the highest deaths. While 322 persons died through terrorist

98 attacks, 78 deaths in the region was associated with CT operations. . East Africa recorded 53 deaths related to terrorists attacks while CT operation 264 accounted for 48 deaths . Central Africa recorded 39 deaths from terrorists attack. 48

0 . North Africa recorded 1 16 53 23 38 death from terrorist attacks 0 1 03 while CT operation C E N T R A L EAST AFRICA N O R T H WEST AFRICA AFRICA AFRICA accounted for 3 deaths.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

9. Deaths by Means of Attack

Figure 11: Deaths by Means of Attack Deaths by Means of Attack  IEDs: 59  SALW: 326  Kidnapping for ransom: 6

2% 15% SALW . SALW accounted for 83% of the deaths occasioned by Explosives (IEDs) terrorists attack, whereas IEDs accounted for 15% of deaths Kidnapping for related to terrorist attacks. Ransom . 2% of the deaths were 83% associated with cases of kidnappings

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

10. Attacks/Victims by Terrorist Groups

Victims Killed by Terrorist Groups: 229 Attacks by Terrorist Groups  Al-Shabaab: 24 (all Civilians)  Al-Shabaab: 19  Boko Haram: 85 (23 Military; 62 Civilians)  Boko Haram: 7  JNIM: 28 ( 27Military; 1 Civilian)  JNIM: 5  ISWAP: 2 (1 Military; 1 Civilians)  Ansarul Islam: 1  ADF: 6 (all civilians)  ISGS: 1  IS affiliates: 1 Civilian.  ADF: 2  Others: 255 (10 Military; 245 Civilians)  ISWAP: 1

 IS affiliates in Libya: 1  Unidentified/Unaffiliated Groups: 45

. Boko Haram carried out the highest number attacks (19), killing a total of 62 civilians and 23 military

. Al-shabaab conducted 7 attacks, killing 24 Civilians.

. JNIM conducted 5 attacks, killing 27 Military/Security forces and 1 Civilian.

. ISWAP carried out 1 attack, killing 1 member of Security/Military forces and 1 Civilian.

. IS affiliates in Libya carried out 1 attack, killing 1civilian and ADF carried 2 attacks killing 6 civilians

. ISGS and Ansarul Islam conducted 1 attack each with no casualties.

. A total of 45 attacks were carried out by unidentified/unaffiliated groups. This resulted in 255 deaths comprising 239 Civilians and 10 Military/Security forces.

Figure 12: Attacks/Victims by Terrorist groups

300

255 250

200

150

100 85

47 50 28 19 24 7 1 0 2 6 1 2 1 0 5 1 1 0 Al-shabaab Ansarul ADF Boko Haram ISWAP ISGS JNIM IS Affiliates Unidentified Islam Groups Attacks by Group Victims Killed by Group

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Figure 13: Category of Victims Killed by Terrorist Groups

MILITARY CIVILIANS

245

1 23 24 27 0 1 1 0 6 0 1 10

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

11. Members of Terrorist Groups Killed

Members of Terrorists Groups Killed: 149  Boko Haram: 80  Al-Shabaab: 48  Unidentified/Unaffiliated Groups :21

. Among the members of terrorist groups killed in counter- terrorism operations and combat missions, Boko Haram (Shekau faction) suffered the highest number of casualties. 80 fighters of the terrorist group were killed. . 48 fighters of Al-Shabaab were also eliminated. . 21 other terrorists killed belong to unidentified/unaffiliated groups.

Figure 14: Members of Terrorist Groups Killed

Members of Terrorist Group Killed

48 21

B O K O H A R A M AL- SHABAB UNIDENTIFIED GROUPS

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

12. Five Most Affected Countries Table 2: Five (5) Countries Most Affected . Mali recorded the highest number of attacks (23) Country Total Total Deaths Total injured and the highest number of Attacks Related to Attacks deaths (206). Mali 24 206 54 . Somalia recorded 12 attacks resulting in 48 Somalia 12 48 21 attack related deaths. Niger 11 39 - . Niger recorded 11 attacks, Burkina Faso 13 29 7 Burkina Faso 14 and Nigeria 9 resulting in 39, Nigeria 9 28 7 29 and 28 deaths respectively. Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Figure 15: Five Most Affected Countries

250

200

150 206

100

50 48 39 29 28 24 12 11 13 9 0 Mali Somalia Niger Burkina Faso Nigeria

Total Attacks Attack Related Deaths

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

TERRORISM INCIDENTS THE MOST FATAL ATTACKS Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 13. Most Fatal Terrorist Incidents Table 3: List of Most Fatal Terrorist Incidents N Country City Date Group Deaths Description o 1 Mali Ogossagou, 23/03/19 *NGCR 160 Armed men attacked the Fulani village in Mopti Bankass killing 160 person, 410 houses and 80 granaries were burnt. 2 Mali Dioura, 17/03/19 JNIM 26 Assailants attacked a military camp killing Mopti 26 soldiers, 40 others were injured. 3 Chad Dangdala, 22/03/19 Boko 23 Assailants attacked Chadian military base Lake Chad Haram located in the Lake Chad killing 23 soldiers.

4 Somalia Waberi, 28/03/19 *NGCR 16 An explosives-laden vehicle detonated Mogadishu outside a busy restaurant. 17 people were also injured. 5 Somalia Mogadishu 23/03/19 Al- 15 A suicide car bomb detonated near a Shabaab government building killing 15 persons. Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 *No Group Claimed Responsibility

IN FOCUS THE SAHEL REGION

Map 2: Map Showing Countries of the Sahel Region

Source: Adapted from World Atlas, 2017 14. Total Attacks in the Sahel Region

Figure 16: Attacks in the Sahel Total Attacks in Africa: 82  Sahel region: 57  Other Parts of Africa: 25

 Within the period under review, the Sahel region recorded a total number of 57 attacks representing 70% of all the attacks in Africa. 30% Sahel Region Other Part of Africa  Countries in the Sahel region that recorded attacks are Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. 23 attacks 70% occurred in Mali, 14 in Burkina Faso, 11 in Nigeria and 9 Niger.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

15. Means of Attack in the Sahel Figure 17: Means of Attack in the Sahel

20 Sahel Region Other Parts of Africa 15

0 SALW IED Kidnapping Mixed (IEDs & SALW)

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Means of Attack in the Sahel  In the Sahel region, SALW remain the highest means by which terrorist groups attack their  SALW: 54 target. Out of a total of 54 attacks using SALW,  Sahel: 40 the Sahel recorded 40.

 Other Parts of Africa: 14  The use of IEDs were also high in the Sahel region. 8 attacks in the Sahel used IEDs as  IED: 15 against 7 in the rest of Africa.

 Sahel: 8  The Sahel region also recorded the highest

 Other Parts of Africa: 7 number of kidnapping cases. 8 out of the 12 incidents of kidnapping that took place occurred  Kidnapping: 12 in the Sahel.

 Sahel: 8  The only attack involving both SALW and IEDs

 Other Parts of Africa: 4 happened in the Sahel.

 Mixed (IEDs & SALW): 1

 Sahel: 1

 Other Parts of Africa: 0

16. Total Deaths Recorded in the Sahel

Figure 18: Deaths in the Sahel Region Total Deaths in Africa: 544  Sahel Region: 400  Other Parts of Africa: 144  74% of the terrorism-related deaths recorded within the period under review occurred in the Sahel region 26% as against 26% in the rest of Africa. Sahel Region  The countries in the Sahel where these deaths occurred were Burkina 74% Other Parts of Africa Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.  Mali alone recorded 206 deaths out of 400 deaths in Sahel.  Niger, Burkina Faso and Nigeria recorded 39, 29 and 28 deaths respectively.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

17. Deaths by Category in the Sahel Region

Figure 19: Deaths by Category in the Sahel region 300 264

250

200

150

98 100 70 51 50 38 23

0 Military/Security Civilians Terrorists

Sahel Region Other Part of Africa

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Deaths by Category in the Sahel Region . 264 civilians representing 79% of all civilian deaths occurred in the Sahel Region as  Security: 61 against 70 (21%) in the rest of Africa  Sahel: 38

 Other Parts of Africa: 23 . Majority of the Security/Military forces who  Civilians: 334 died during the period were from the Sahel. 38 Military/Security personnel (62%) were  Sahel: 264 killed in the Sahel whereas 23 (38%) were

killed in the rest of Africa.  Other Parts of Africa: 70

 Terrorists: 149

. 98 (66%) members of terrorist groups were  Sahel: 98 eliminated in the Sahel region as against 51 (34%) in the rest of Africa.  Other Parts of Africa: 51

KIDNAPPING

 The phenomenon of suspected terrorists, armed men and separatist kidnapping people featured

prominently in the second half of March 2019.

 12 kidnapping cases were recorded across Africa. A total of 140 persons were taken hostage in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Libya, Mali and Nigeria  Out of the 140 hostages, 106 people were released unhurt. 80 people kidnapped in the Anglophone region of Cameroon were released after being robbed of their belongings.  20 students of University of Buea were released after 48 hours of abduction.  3 abducted persons were released following an operation by Libya National Intelligence services.  The Soum Province in Burkina Faso recorded 5 cases of kidnapping. 5 abducted persons were subsequently killed. This includes 2 teachers killed in Koutougou on 19 March, and 3 artisanal mining workers killed in 23 march also in Koutougou.  In Mali, Ansarul Islam kidnapped the village chief of Boulkessi accusing him of providing information to the authorities on their hide outs.  In Nigeria, Catholic Priest, Rev Fr. Clement Rapuluchukwu Ugwu, kidnapped on 13 March was found dead on 20 March in Enugu state.

15. Synthesis of Terrorism Incidents in Africa 18. Synthesis of Terrorism Incidents in Africa Table 3: Synthesis of Terrorism Incidents in Africa Table 4: Synthesis of Terrorism Incidents in Africa

Country/ Type and total of attacks Total Dead Total Wounded Primary Targets

Regions:

Central Africa

East Africa

North Africa No Southern Africa

Rebels/terrorists Rebels/terrorists Clashes

Arrested Terrorists Arrested West Africa Civilians

Explosives Explosives (IED) and Arms Small light weapons (SALW) and Mixed (IED SALW) Kidnapping Security/Military Terrorists Civilians Security/Military Terrorists Civilians Hostages Released Hostages Security/Military Government officials or institutions International Organizations 1 Cameroun - 3 - 3 - - - 7 - - - 101 100 20 - 1 - 5 2 Chad - 1 - - 23 ------1 - - - 3 DRC - 3 - 1 - - - 9 - - 10 - - - 1 - 3 4 Ethiopia - 1 - - - - - 5 ------1 5 Somalia 7 5 - - - - 48 48 1 - 20 - - 2 4 1 1 6 6 Algeria ------8 - - - - 7 Egypt ------8 Libya - 1 - - - - - 1 - - 3 3 - - - - 1 9 Tunisia - - - - - 3 ------2 - - - - 10 Burkina Faso 2 6 - 5 - 10 4 19 - - 7 6 - - 4 1 - 9 11 Mali 3 19 1 1 - 27 14 179 47 - 7 14 3 3 6 3 1 13 12 Niger 2 9 - - - - 2 39 - - - 2 - - - - - 11 13 Nigeria 1 6 - 2 - 1 78 27 - - 7 4 - 2 1 - - 8 Sub-Total 15 54 1 12 - 61 149 334 48 0 43 140 106 37 16 7 2 57 General Total 82 - 544 91 140 106 37 82 Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 NB: The color codes show countries in regions where incidents were recorded CAR: Central African Republic DRC: Democratic Republic of Congo Nd: Not determined

19. Synthesis Terrorist Groups Activities in Africa Table 5: Synthesis of Terrorist Groups Activities in Africa

al- Boko ISWAP JNIM Ansarul ADF ISGS IS affiliates Others Sub- TOTAL Shabaab Haram Islam Total

Military & Security 3 1 1 3 - - - - 8 16 International Org. 1 ------1 2 Attacks Gov. Off. & 1 ------6 7 82 Institutions

Civilians 2 18 - 2 1 2 1 1 32 57 Deaths Military & Security - 23 1 27 - - - - 10 61

Civilians 24 62 1 1 - 6 - 1 245 334 395 Injured Military & Security - - - 42 - - - - 6 48 Victims 91 Civilians - 7 - 1 - - - - 35 43 IEDs 2 3 ------10 15 Means of attack SALW 5 16 1 4 - 2 1 1 26 54 82 Mix (IEDs & SALW) - - - 1 - - - - - 1 Kidnapping - - - - 1 - - - 11 12 Lost (Killed) 48 80 ------21 149 149 Arrested 2 22 ------13 37 37 Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

INCIDENTS RECORDED BY REGIONS

CENTRAL AFRICA Map 3: Map Showing Incidents in the Central Africa Region

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 CAMEROON

On 17 March 2019 in Sandawadjiri, Kolofata. Armed men from Boko Haram attacked the community. Three civilians were killed and several cattle taken away by the group member. On 19 March 2019 in Zeleved, Far North. Boko Haram attacked the village. Three villagers were killed, 107 houses and many properties burnt during the attack.

On 20 March 2019 in Bamenda. Armed separatists kidnapped Emmanuel Ngafeson Bantar, who served as secretary of state in the Ministry of Justice in charge of the penitentiary administration. The kidnappers entered his home and ordered him out. On 20 March 2019 in Buea. Gunmen abducted the 20 students from the University of Buea. The government blames the incident on armed separatists.

On 20 March in 2019 in Kumba, Buea. Eighty (80) people who traveled by bus were kidnapped by separatists on the road between Buea and Kumba. They were stripped of their personal belongings and later released same day. On 23 March 2019 in Buea. Twenty students from University of Buea, who were kidnapped by armed separatists on 20th March 2019, were released. The students suffered 48 hours of severe torture under the separatists. On 25 March in Zeleved, Far North. Boko Haram attacked the village. One person was shot dead, two classrooms and six houses were burnt during the assault.

On 25 March 2019 in Amchide. Far North. Seventeen (17) armed combatants of Boko Haram were arrested by the Cameroonian military forces.

On 30 March 2019 in Balgaram, Far North. Three Boko Haram Terrorists surrendered to troops of MNJTF Sector-One.

CHAD

On 22 March 2019 in Dangdala, Lake Chad. Assailants from Boko Haram attacked Chadian military base. Twenty Three (23) soldiers were killed. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

On 16 March 2019 in Kalau, North Kivu. Armed men from Democratic Allied Forces (ADF) attacked the village. Six Christians, including three women and a 9-year-old child were killed. On 17 March 2019 in Bihombo, Mambasa. Mai-Mai militia men attacked Kimia mining quarry belonging to Chinese Nationals. Two Chinese Nationals and one Congolese citizen were killed. Several material damages were recorded. On 19 March 2019 in Maleki, North Kivu. Armed men from ADF attacked health centre in the community. No deaths or kidnappings were recorded but the armed men took away several materials from the health facility. On 26 March 2019 in Gbamangi, Bas Uélé. Armed men from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) kidnapped ten (10) people and looted several properties.

EAST AFRICA

Map 4: Map Showing Incidents in the East Africa Region

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

ETHIOPIA

On 19 March 2019 in Nejo, Oromia. Unidentified assailants attacked and killed five civilians. The victims include two foreign nationals and three local indigenes. SOMALIA

On 16 March 2019 in Balad, Middle Shabelle. A remote-controlled landmine struck a military convoy carrying African Union troops. No casualties were reported; however, one military vehicle was destroyed. Al- shabaab claimed responsibility. On 19 March 2019 in Laanta Buuro, Lower Shabelle. US Africa Command and Somali Security forces carried out joint airstrike counter-terrorism operation. Three (3) members of al-shabaab were killed. Four civilians including Abdiqadir Nur, an employee of telecoms firm Hormuud Telecom were reportedly hit by the operation.

On 19 March 2019 in Mogadishu. A car bomb explosion left two people injured. A CID officer, Dahir Hassan Hussein, was among the wounded in IED explosion in his car near KM-4 junction. No group claimed responsibility. On 20 March 2019 in Mogadishu. Somali security agencies have arrested senior officer of armed group, al- Shabaab. The officer is the head of the armed group Islamic court in Barire. He was nabbed in a planned operation in the capital by the multi-agency force. On 20 March 2019 in Balad, Middle Shabelle. Armed men from al-shabaab attacked a military camp. Security forces repulsed the attack killing two (2) members of al-shabaab. On 20 March 2019 in Bula-Marer, Lower Shabelle. Al-shabaab attacked military camp belonging Somali security forces. Security forces repulsed the attack killing two members of al-shabaab.

On 22 March 2019 in Bu’aale, Juba. Security forces conducted counter-terrorism operations killing 41 members of al-shabaab. Ahmad Iman Ali, Al-Shabaab’s director of Kenyan operations was reportedly killed in the operation.

On 23 March 2019 in Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab stormed a government building, detonating a suicide car bomb. Fifteen (15) people, including an assistant minister were killed.

On 25 March 2019 in Mogadishu. A member of SIMAD University staff was confirmed dead and another wounded in a roadside bomb explosion. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the bomb attack.

On 26 March 2019 in Yaq Barawe, Bay. Al Shabaab publicly executed five men. They were accused of spying and reporting the group activities to Somalia authorities.

On 26 March 2019 in Hodan, Mogadishu. A bomb planted in a car exploded killing one person and wounding another. No group claimed responsibility for the explosion.

On 27 March 2019 in Wardhigley, Mogadishu. Two people were killed in an explosion of an improvised explosive device outside a restaurant near Labo-Dhagah junction. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

On 28 March 2019 in Waberi, Mogadishu. An explosives-laden vehicle detonated outside a busy restaurant. 16 persons were killed, and 17 others injured. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 30 March 2019 in Kamsuma, Juba. Al-Shabab announced the execution of four men accused of spying for the British, Djibouti and Somali intelligence agencies. They were killed by a firing squad in a public square.

On 31 March 2019 in Qoryoley. Armed men from Al-Shabaab attacked a military checkpoint. Security forces repulsed the attack. No casualties were recorded.

On 31 March 2019 in Marka, Lower Shabelle. A senior leader of Somali militant group al-Shabaab, known as Ibrahim Mohamed Bitow, surrendered to Somali government forces following intense military operations.

NORTH AFRICA

Map 5: Map showing Incidents in the North Africa Region

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

ALGERIA

On 26 March 2019 in Oran. Algerian Army and Security forces dismantled a terrorist cell composed of three (03) terrorists. The three suspected terrorists are K. Rabeh, Mourad and Ch. El Hadj. The operation resulted in the seizure of an automatic pistol, two (02) shotguns and a global Positioning System (GPS) device, as well as knives.

On 31 March 2019 in Tamanrasset. Two (02) terrorists, called Beknaoui Bashir, alias Abu Talha and Tennan Boukhani alias Abu Djabel, surrendered to the military authorities. The terrorists were in possession of two (02) Kalashnikov-type machine guns and four (04) loaded magazines.

On 31 March 2019 in Oran. Elements of the National Gendarmerie and National Security followed up on their 26 March 2019 operation to dismantle a terrorist cells. They arrested three (03) elements of a support cell for the terrorist groups.

On 31 March 2019 in Adrar. A detachment of the army discovered a cache of weapons and ammunition containing: a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, a PKT heavy machine gun (01), a machine gun (FMPK), one (01) Kalashnikov type machine pistol, two (02) Simonov type semi-automatic rifles, one (01) repetition rifle and eleven (11) 82mm and 60mm mortar shells. LIBYA

On 23 March 2019 in Tripoli. Libyan Interior Ministry indicated members of the Investigation Bureau managed to free three African abductees from kidnapped for ransom. One of the kidnapped contacted a relative and asked for the ransom.

On 25 March 2019in Ghadwa, Southern Libya. Gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamic State (IS) attacked the town. One civilian was killed, three kidnapped and a number of civilian houses burnt.

TUNISIA

On 16 March 2019. The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the murder of a Tunisian whose body was found last month in central Tunisia. ISIS broadcasted a video on Telegram Saturday 16 March 2019, showing the decapitation of a man named Mohamed Lakhdhar Makhloufi at Mount Mghilla. On 17 March 2019 in El Feija. Military and security forces carried out a large sweeping operation on the heights of Ghardimaou to hunt down holed-up terrorists, following several hours of fire exchange with the Army and the National Guard. On 19 March 2019 in Jebal Salloum, Kasserine. Three terrorists were killed in a preventive operation launched on Tuesday night. The terrorists were involved in beheading a civilian called Mohamed Lakhdar Makhloufi in Mount Mhgila on Feb. 21, 2019.

On 27 March 2019 in Kairouan. The National Guard arrested an individual wanted by the antiterrorist police and suspected of providing logistical and financial assistance to terrorist groups.

On 29 March 2019 in Tunis. The Criminal Chamber specialized in terrorism cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced a young female teacher and doctoral student to two years in prison for inciting citizens to join a terrorist organization and to go abroad to commit jihad to commit terrorist crimes. The young woman - recruited by a terrorist currently in Libya- was about to join the Libyan territory to fight in the ranks of the Islamic State.

WEST AFRICA

Map 6: Map showing Incidents in the West Africa Region

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

BURKINA FASO

On 17 March 2019 in Fada N’Gourma, Kompienga. Five soldiers were killed when their vehicle hit an explosive device. On 17 March 2019 in Djibo, Soum. Unidentified armed men kidnapped a priest. He was taking to an unknown destination. On 19 March 2019 in Boulkessi. Ansarul Islam kidnapped the village chief of Boulkessi. They accused the chief of providing information to authorities leading to the location of their terrorist hideout in the area. On 19 March 2019 in Koutougou, Soum. The Ministry of National Education announced the assassination of two teachers, Ouédraogo Judicaël and Sana Al-Hassane Cheikhna, serving in the constituency of basic education of Djibo, following their kidnapping on Monday, March 11, 2019 by armed individuals

On 20 March 2019 in Kongoussi-Djibo, Soum. Unidentified armed men kidnapped two technicians from a mobile phone operator. The two were in the area for official duty. On 21 March 2019 in Koutougou, Soum. Unidentified gunmen kidnapped two people. This includes the Mayor of Markoye commune in northern Burkina Faso and his driver On 23 March 2019 in Koutougou, Soum. Three people who were kidnapped were found dead. The three are involved in artisanal mining of gold. On 25 March 2019 in Kouka. Unidentified gunmen attacked a car transporting cattle sellers. No causalities were recorded.

On 26 March 2019 in Namassiguia, Soum. A public transport bus hit an improvised explosive device. One passenger was injured during the explosion.

On 28 March 2019 in Barani, Kossi. Four paramilitary police were killed in an attack on a base near the border with Mali. On 28 March 2019. ISIS published a newsletter in which it officially claimed the kidnapping and execution of a Canadian national in northern Burkina Faso in January 2019. On 30 March 2019 in Yendere. Three civilians were killed in an attack on a public transport vehicle, near the border with Ivory Coast. Two of the assailants were also killed by security forces.

On 30 March 2019 in Yendere, Niangoloko. Armed individuals attacked the gendarmerie station of Dangouindougou. Three civilians were killed and two others injured. Two assailants were also killed by security forces.

On 31 March 2019 in Yeritaga, Komandjari. A member of the defense and security forces was killed in an ambush by armed men.

On 31 March 2019 in Zoaga, Boulgou. Armed men from the villages near Burkina Faso border with Ghana attacked the home of the traditional chief of Zoaga. Eight people were killed and four others wounded.

MALI

On 16 March 2019 in Tenenkou, Mopti. A FAMa vehicle hit an explosive device near Dia village. Four soldiers were injured. On 16 March 2019 in Tonou, Mopti. Assailants on motorbikes attacked the convoy of the Sub-Prefect of Dioungani, escorted by FAMa, between Tonou and Dioungani villages. FAMa returned fire, killing the three assailants, and retrieved a machine gun at the scene. On 17 March 2019 in Dioura, Mopti. Suspected jihadists driving cars and motorbikes attacked a military camp. 26 Malian soldiers were killed and 40 others injured. The armed forces believed the attack was led by a deserter army colonel, Ba Ag Moussa, who joined the ranks of JNIM. JNIM also officially claimed responsibility for the attack. The assailants stole eight vehicles, some weapons and ammunitions before burning down the camp and destroying remaining vehicles On 17 March 2019 in Aldiouma, Mopti. Assailants attacked FAMa vehicle on escort duty. FAMa Soldiers repulsed the attack killing three of the attackers.

On 17 March 2019 in Akabar ,Liptako. Terrorists suspected to be from JNIM attacked Operation Barkhane temporary camp near the border with Niger. Two French soldiers were injured during the attack using car bomb explosion and gun fires. On 18 March 2019 in Sahel. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and its Malian front Jama’at Nasr al- Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) published a communique condemning the lethal attack on unarmed Muslims attending Friday prayers in Christchurch, New Zealand on 15 March 2019. AQIM/JNIM also call for revenge attacks by ‘lone wolfs’ against leaders of the extreme right among crusaders and all those who support attacks against unarmed Muslims. On 19 March 2019 in Coumbe, Mopti. Assailants attacked the Gendarmerie post. One civilian was killed during the attack by a stray bullet. On 19 March 2019 in Talataye Ansongo. Suspected terrorists aboard motorcycles attacked a post of the MSA. One MSA member was killed, one wounded, one vehicle and two motorcycles destroyed. JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack On 19 March 2019 in Tabankort, Gao. A MINUSMA logistic convoy travelling on the Gao-Tessalit axis spotted and neutralised a suspicious individual near an improvised explosive device. On 21 March 2019 in Sobangouma, Mopti. Armed men attacked the Dogon village of Koro town. The villagers reportedly returned fire and the clash resulted in seven assailants killed and two locals injured. On 22 March in Diombolo, Mopti. Armed elements attacked the Dogon village of Diombolo Leye killing four villagers and injuring two others. They also burned several houses and granaries. On 22 March 2019 in Diombolo Leye, Mopti. Three civilians on a tricycle hit an explosive device, killing one passenger and injuring the two others. On 23 March 2019 in Ogossagou, Mopti. Armed men dressed like traditional Dozo hunters attacked the Fulani village in Bankass commune. At least 160 people were killed, including women and children, around 410 houses and 80 granaries were burned, and numerous animals killed. On 23 March 2019 in Welingara, Mopti. Unidentified armed men attacked the community. One person was killed. No group claimed responsibility. On 24 March 2019 in Tonka, Timbuktu. Armed individuals ambushed a Gendarmerie vehicle on the Tonka- Goundam axis, killing one occupant of the vehicle. JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack. On 25 March 2019 in Labezanga, Gao. Assailants aboard motorcycles attacked a FAMa escorted convoy of public transport vehicles on the Labezanga-Ansongo. No casualties were recorded. On 25 March in Bodio, Mopti. Armed assailants reportedly opened fire on a public transport bus. One passenger was reportedly killed and another injured. On 26 March 2019 in Indelimane, Gao. JNIM claimed responsibility of an ambush perpetrated against the MSA , stating to have captured a vehicle and weapons. On 26 March 2019 in Ouadou. Unidentified gunmen attacked the village. Four people from Dogon ethnic community were killed and several houses were burnt.

On 26 March 2019 in Kere Kere, Bankass. Two women were killed and one wounded in an attack by unidentified gunmen.

On 26 March 2019 in Boundou, Bandiagara. Unidentified gunmen attacked the community. Four people were killed. No group claimed responsibility for the attack

On 28 March 2019 in Boro, Mopti. Unidentified armed assailants attacked two trucks transporting APCs for a MINUSMA contingent from Mopti via Douentza to Timbuktu. The assailants abducted two of three trucks and drove them with the contracted drivers into a nearby forest. The two drivers and the assistant were released the same day. On 30 March 2019 in Iderfane, Gao. Suspected terrorists from ISGS attacked the community. The assailants abducted two persons and stole an unspecified number of heads of cattle. On 30 March 2019 in Gabero, Gao. The Boya Community Health Center was attacked by gunmen. 3 people were kidnapped, one vehicle carried away and another burnt.

NIGER

On 21 March 2019 in Karidi, Diffa. Armed men from Boko Haram attacked the village, killing Eight civilians and burning down several homes.

On 23 March 2019 in Karidi, Diffa. Fourteen (14) died in four cordinated attacks conducted by Boko Haram militants.

On 23 March 2019 in Diffa. Boko Haram elements carried out three separate raids in the south-eastern part of the country, near the border with Nigeria. Seven civilians were killed. Two women were abducted and several houses burnt down. On 26 March 2019 in N’Guigmi, Diffa. Armed men from Boko Haram attacked the village. Ten (10) people were killed by suicide bombers and gunmen. On 28 March 2019. ISIS published a newsletter in which it officially claimed the attack on Niger armed forces and US Special Forces near Tongo Tongo (Niger) in October 2017 on behalf of its ISGS. NIGERIA

On 16 March 2019 in Nandu, Kaduna. Armed men attacked the village killing 9 civilians according to information provided by Kaduna state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

On 16 March 2019 in Tumbun Rego, Lake Chad. Fifty-five (55) Boko Haram militants have been killed in a joint operation by Nigerian, Chadian, Cameroonian, Beninese and Niger forces. Joint multinational security forces also seized large-caliber ammunition in the Lake Chad Basin, according to Timothy Antigha, spokesman for the multinational forces. On 18 march 2019 in Michika, Adawama. Armed men from Boko Haram attacked the community. 5 people have been confirmed dead from stray bullets. The insurgents attacked Union Bank, but they were unable to gain access to the vault room to steal money. On 18 March 2019 in Warabe, Borno. Vehicle carrying civilians under military escort hit an IED near the border with Cameroon. Eight (8) civilians were killed and seven (7) injured. Authorities blamed Boko Haram for the planting of the landmine.

On 19 March 2019 in Lassa, Borno. Armed from Boko Haram attacked farmers on their farm. Three farmers were killed by the insurgents. On 20 March 2019 in Ndiuno, Enugu. Catholic Priest, Rev Fr. Clement Rapuluchukwu Ugwu, who was kidnapped from his parish house at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Obinofia, on March 13 2019, was found dead. On 25 March 2019 in Kachia, Kaduna. Unknown gunmen kidnapped a Catholic Priest, Rev. Father John Bako Shekwolo.

On 25 March 2019 in Kopa, Adamawa. Armed men suspected to be from Boko Haram the village. Security forces repulsed the attack.

On 27 March 2019 in Miringa, Borno. A military base was attacked by Jihadist Fighters in 13 vehicles believed to be from the IS-affiliated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), killing a policeman and a local resident.

On 27 March 2019 in Akwanga, Nasarawa. Gunmen attacked a bus of the Chairman of Correspondents’ chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and abducted his wife and other three women.

On 30 March 2019 in Doro Naira, Borno. Troops of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) killed 5 Boko Haram members and arrested three. Two out of the three captured terrorists were eventually killed when the vehicle conveying them hit a roadside bomb planted by Boko Haram militants.

On 31 March 2019 in Kerenoa, Lake Chad. Joint Multinational Task Force (MNJTF) killed 16 Boko Haram terrorists during a counter-terrorism operation. One of the terrorists was Malloum Moussa, a Boko Haram commander. Five armed trucks were also destroyed and a woman arrested.

TERRORISM-RELATED NEWS

On 18 March 2019 in Togo. H.E Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Permanent Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa, was received by President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo. The two personalities discussed the security situation in the West African sub region, particularly the escalating terrorists and violent incidents in the Sahel region. Mohamed Ibn Chambas emphasized risk of the terrorism and violent extremism threat from the Sahel to other countries in the sub-region. He referred to the situation in Burkina Faso and stressed the importance of working together to face the security challenge. President Faure Gnassingbé expressed the commitment of Togo to work with neighboring countries to deal with terrorism and any form of insecurity in the sub region.

On 20 March 2019 in Ethiopia. An agreement was reached between armed groups operating in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the government following intense discussions at the AU headquarters. The 14 armed groups and the government had earlier criticized a team that was put together as not inclusive enough. Eleven of the group asked for the resignation of Prime Minister Firmin Ngrebada. It took three days of closed meetings of the teams led by the Commissioner Peace and Security of African Union, Smaïl Chergui to reach an agreement which was accepted by both parties for implementation. The parties have agreed on a cabinet reshuffle that would take place in the coming days. Upon return to Bangui, a new team will be formed. Béranger Ludovic Igor Lamaka, anti-balaka spokesman is hopeful that a new inclusive government will be presented to the Central African people in the name of peace, reconciliation, national harmony found.

On 29 March 2019 in New York. At a Security Council meeting on Mali, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres underscored the deterioration of security situation in central Mali and urged strengthened response. He warned terrorist groups and militias are gaining ground and becoming more dynamic and mobile in the region. He cautioned the rise of extremist movements is exacerbating old inter-communal tensions between ethnic groups for access to land and water, and that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the acquisition of weapons by ethnic self-defense groups have led to an increase in violence against civilians. More than 240 attacks were carried out against civilians, Malian government officials and members of national and international forces in 2018, compared with 183 in 2016, according to the UN Secretary General.

CONCLUSION

The period under review witnessed an escalation of attacks by terrorist groups. The attacks mainly targeted civilians and security forces. The killing of 26 Malian soldiers in Dioura by JNIM, the killing of 23 Chadian soldiers in the Lake Chad Basin by Boko Haram, the killing of 15 civilians in Mogadishu by al-Shabaab and the persistent and coordinated attacks by ISWAP in the Diffa region of Niger demonstrate the complexity and the capabilities of terrorist groups to cause devastating atrocities. The daring nature of the attacks, in spite of Counter-Terrorism efforts by the Security Forces, is an indication of their viability and capability of the terrorist groups to continue to operate. The review of the situation reveals a deterioration of security, safety, and stability in the Sahel region. Mali is faced with the proliferation of Violent Extremist groups with varied motives. These include inter communal rivalries, criminal activity, the pursuit for the re-establishment of old Kingdoms, and the spread of Salafism over Sufism. The ease with which small arms and light weapons can be acquired in the Sahel region contributes to the daily attacks and atrocities committed. The diversity in the attacks by Jihadist groups, ethnic self-defense groups, and trans-national criminal networks, could be attributed to their domination of territory. The inability of the security forces to deny the Terrorist/Violent Extremist groups and Tans-national Criminal Networks the terrain/choke points they currently dominate on the routes linking the Sahel and Maghreb regions has contributed to sustaining terrorist and criminal activity within the Sahel region countries. A number of political, socio-cultural and economic factors still make conditions very conducive for the spread of terrorism and violent extremism across the Sahel belt. There is growing insecurity in Burkina Faso where the Soum Province has become a safe haven for kidnappers. ISWAP and Boko Haram have become active in the Diffa region of Niger as the results show. The security forces have remained responsive to the evolving situation. Counter-Terrorism Operations have gained momentum particularly in the Lake Chad Basin. The MNJTF has intensified CT operations in the Lake Chad Basin, against Boko Haram and ISWAP. While there is the need to do more to support the CT operations in order to improve security and stability, a human security response approach should inform military concepts of operation. The protection and empowerment of local communities should be prioritized in other to ensure their resilience. The lack of opportunities for young people, political impunity, exclusion, marginalization, effects of climate change/competition for scarce resources and underdevelopment are all concerns which if not addressed, in local communities, present a high risk of further escalation that could lead to the commission of more atrocities.

FORECAST FOR NEXT EDITION

The next edition of the Africa Terrorism Bulletin will cover terrorism incidents from 1st - 15th April, 2019.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

RESEARCH TEAM: Mauna NTWAETSILE, Aristide IGIRANEZA, Richard APAU, Stephen MAINA, Joseph Kiéba TINDANO, JUDITH Van Der Merwe.

INTERNAL REVIEW TEAM: Larry GBEVLO-LARTEY, Idriss Mounir LALLALI, Christian Emmanuel MOUAYA POUYI, Inusah ZIBLIM, Adjewoda KUTOATI

EXTERNAL REVIEW TEAM: Dr. Fiifi EDU-AFFUL, Dr. Festus Kofi AUBYN, Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Emmanuel KOTIA

PROFILE OF ACSRT/CAERT

The African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) was established as a structure of the African Union in 2004. The decision to establish the Centre was taken in 2002 as part of the AU Plan of Action to Prevent and Combat of Terrorism. Its primary role is to assist AU member States build their Counter- Terrorism capacities. Its mandate includes the conduct of research, analysis and studies on the terrorism situation and terrorist groups in Africa, maintaining a terrorism database, centralizing information on terrorism and sharing this with AU Member States. The Centre conducts assessment missions to various AU Member States in order to ascertain their Counter-Terrorism capability and compliance with International Legal instruments and then provide advice on what needs to be done. In its capacity building effort, the Centre conducts seminars, workshops and training sessions in various aspects of Counter-terrorism for Member States and facilitates the drafting of their Counter-Terrorism legislation, strategies and Plans of Action in accordance with human rights requirements.

African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) Centre Africain d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Terrorisme (CAERT)

Adress : CAERT, 1 Rue Chahid Boughzara Abdella, BP 141 El-Mohammadia, Algiers, Algeria. Tel : +213 21 520 110 ; Fax : +213 21 520 378 ; Email :[email protected] www.caert-ua.org Twitter: @AU_ACSRT Facebook: @AUACSRT